Are There Conditions to Answered Prayer?

Do you wonder why some prayers aren't answered? Have you ever stopped to think that it may be due to a wrong attitude? Oswald Chambers says, "We look upon prayer as simply a means of getting things for ourselves, but the biblical purpose of prayer is that we may get to know God Himself."

In his book, Handle with Prayer, Charles Stanley gives six considerations when wondering about prayer:
1) Establish a close personal relationship with Christ
Delight thyself also in the Lord; and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart" (Psalm 37:4)
2) Make your requests specific
And I say unto you, Ask, and it shall be given you...(Luke 11:9a).
3) Always pray according to God's will
Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth" (Luke 11:2c).
4) Pray in Jesus' name but only in accord with His character
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that I will do, that the father may be glorified in the Son (John 14:13).
5) Pray with faith based on who God is and His Word
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive" (Matthew 21:22).
6) Have the right motives; they can't be selfish
Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth (Colossians 3:2).

But without faith it is impossible to please him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him (Hebrews 11:6).

If it seems that we're having to wait a long time to see a prayer answered, it might be that we need to learn an important lesson first. If the above six elements have been met, then keep praying. Persistent prayer is rewarded. I've prayed for the salvation of some people for two or three years, but, in each case, they eventually accepted Christ as their Savior and were baptized. Pray believing in God's wisdom.

And he spake a parable unto them to this end, that men ought to always pray, and not to faint (Luke 18:1).

It's important to remember that, as a child of God, He wants what's best for us.That's not always what we ask for. He does always answer, but it might be "no," "wait," or "yes," depending on the situation. We can continue in faith, knowing that He will always do what is best. How awesome is that!

And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28).

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